Valbona To Theth Hike: A Complete Guide

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Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by sydabroad

If you are planning on doing the iconic Valbona to Theth hike in northern Albania, this article is for you! 

Traveling around the Balkans? Well, you do not want to miss this breathtaking adventure in Northern Albania. In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know before planning the Valbona to Theth hike (or Theth ot Valbona) in the Albanian Alps.

Today, we’re covering many frequently asked questions about this adventure, things you need to bring along, logistics, a day-by-day itinerary (because technically this is a three-day excursion), I’ve included a map, and more helpful info in this guide. 

When I committed to doing this hike, I had never even heard of it before a friend had told me about it. I hadn’t yet planned anything for the Albania portion of my trip aside from Tirana. And I knew I had to see more than just the capital city during my time in Albania, so I decided, why not? This hike seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — and it certainly was.

I booked the trip through the Wanderers Hostel in Shkodër (more about booking the hike later in this guide). This hostel made it super simple to book. They literally plan everything for you. That being said, it is still good to know what you’re getting yourself into, so that’s why I created this guide. Because I really wasn’t that prepared myself.

Alright, let’s get into everything you need to know about the Valbona to Theth hike in Albania. 

Looking for more Balkans travel guides? 

• Is Tirana Worth Visiting? + A 1 Day Itinerary 
• 13 Best Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia
• Amazing Things to Do in Shkodër, Albania
• 15 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Traveling Albania | The Basics 

CURRENCY = ALBANIAN LEK

The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL)

1 USD = 95.09 Albanian Lek

You will need cash in Albania. I found that very few places accept card payments, so make sure you have bills handy, and coins are very helpful too. 

ATMs are available in the city center of Shkodër, and there are plenty of currency exchange places as well. I suggest avoiding the currency exchange at the airports because 9 out of 10 times, the rate won’t be great. 

The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek, but I found that many places accepted euros as well, which was very convenient. While I was traveling in Albania, 100 lek was the equivalent of 1 euro. So if something was priced at 500 lek, they would pretty much always also accept 5 euros. 

During the Valbona to Theth hike, you need to make sure you have cash handy. You won’t have many (if any) ATM options once you leave Shkodër.

LANGUAGE = ALBANIAN 

The official language in Albania is Albanian. There are two main dialects spoken in the country – one more popular in the north and the other in the south. You will find you can get around fine as an English speaker, especially in touristy spots such as Tirana and Shkodër. 

It will be more difficult to get by in smaller towns and villages around Albania. However, Google Translate is always helpful. Make sure to download the language on Google Translate so you can use the app offline.

PHONE & INTERNET 

From my experience, the phone and internet service in Shkodër were great. My hostel had wifi, and so did some cafes. I used an eSIM, which was super helpful during my time in the Balkans. Keep in mind that when you are traveling in smaller towns in Albania, you probably won’t have great service or wifi. 

The service wasn’t that great in both Theth and Valbona. Make sure you have what you need downloaded on your phone. But to be honest, you shouldn’t need your phone much. I really only used it for photos during the three days in the mountains.

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

DAILY BUDGET 

Albania is an extremely affordable destination. Whether you are more of a luxury traveler or a budget backpacker, you won’t have to compromise on experiences to make the most of your time. 

Expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €30 per day if you are a budget traveler. This includes your accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For mid-range travelers, expect to spend €35 to €60 per day and €75+ if you are a luxury traveler. If you’re from a Western country, your money goes a long way here. 

TIPPING IN ALBANIA 

Tipping in Albania is appreciated but not mandatory. When dining out at a restaurant or a cafe, you can round up the bill or leave around 5%. If you are on a guided tour, it is typical to tip. For instance, if you are taking a free walking tour, leave your guide anywhere from €5 to €10 at the end of the tour.  

CAN YOU DRINK THE TAP WATER? 

No, do not drink tap water in Albania; stick to water bottles.

Note: Up north, the water is extremely fresh and clean; some will say it’s drinkable, but do not drink it! Our Western stomachs are not used to the water here. A couple of my friends drank a bit of the river water and ended up with the worst stomach bug. Stick to bottled water everywhere in Albania. 

What is the Valbona to Theth Hike?  

This is an iconic trek in the Albanian Alps known for its dramatic mountain views, lush valleys, and picturesque trails. I truly had no idea Northern Albania looked like this, it’s insanely beautiful and feels like something out of a story book. If you are a nature lover or want to experience a side of Albania that’s still relatively untouched, this hike is a must.

The hike itself is a point-to-point trail that connects the two remote mountain villages of Valbona and Theth. You’ll start your trek in the northern city of Shkodër, where most travelers base themselves before heading to the Alps. 

From there, you’ll take a scenic bus ride to Komani Lake, hop on a ferry that will take you through gorgeous fjord-like landscapes, and then continue by bus to Valbona. This is where your hike begins. 

On the morning of your trek, you’ll begin the 17-kilometer (10.5-mile) adventure to Theth. The hike typically takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for breaks. 

I’d rate the difficulty as intermediate — you don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable with uneven terrain, elevation gain, and a full day of walking. I’ll touch more on this later in the guide. 

Valbona to Theth hike map 

Below, you’ll find a map with all the important stops mentioned in this guide, including Shkodër, Komani Lake, Valbona, and Theth. Save this offline to reference during your trip.  

Valbona to Theth Hike Wanderers Hostel

As I mentioned above, I organized everything through the Wanderers Hostel in Shkodër, and I couldn’t recommend them more. It made the whole experience stress-free. This hostel is a common spot for travelers and backpackers doing this trek in Albania. 

When you book through the hostel, they’ll handle everything — your transport from Shkodër to Valbona (including the buses and ferry), plus your accommodation in both Valbona and Theth. They also provide luggage storage where you can safely leave your big backpack or suitcase and take only a small backpack for the hike. 

The hostel itself is super social, clean, and cozy. They serve free breakfast every morning (and yes, it’s actually good), and since so many people stay here to do the hike, it’s super easy to meet other travelers who’ll be hiking the same day. 

If you want to book with Wanderers, I suggest emailing them in advance with your dates, especially if you’re visiting during the summer, which is peak tourist season. I emailed them about two months before my trip to make sure I had a spot secured. 

That said, I also met travelers who just showed up in Shkodër and were able to book everything last minute. 

Book your stay at the Wanderers Hostels here🏠

Valbona to Theth Hike Difficulty 

Let me preface this by saying — I’m no avid hiker. I’ve done some challenging hikes while traveling (Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala being the most difficult), but I wouldn’t consider myself a “super experienced hiker” by any means. 

That said, I found the Valbona to Theth hike to be very doable. It’s definitely a moderate hike — challenging at times, but nothing too crazy. I did the hike in New Balances, which wasn’t ideal, but I was fine. 

The first stretch — the first 1 or 2 hours — is the toughest because it’s a steady uphill climb. We stopped multiple times to catch our breath, sip water, and soak in the views. 

Once you get through the initial ascent, the rest is more gradual and enjoyable. There are plenty of scenic spots to take breaks, eat snacks, and admire the landscape. 

Also, there are little tea houses along the way where you can pick up a drink or snack and rest your legs for a bit. So you just need comfortable shoes, a backpack, water, snacks, sunscreen, and you’ll be good to go. 

Valbona to Theth Hike | Itinerary

Alright, now we’re breaking down the day-by-day itinerary for this trek in the Albanian Alps. Keep in mind, you will need at least three days for this hike.

Day 1: Shkodër to Valbona (via ferry and bus) 

You’ll arrive in Shkodër at least one day before you set off for the hike. And I suggest staying another day in Shkodër once you return. It’s a laid-back, backpacker-friendly town with great cafes and local eats. 

On the morning of the travel day to Valbona, you’ll wake up bright and early (around 6 AM) and have your breakfast at Wanderers hostel. After breakfast, you’ll hop on a bus to head to the ferry. 

This first bus took about 2 hours from Shkodër to the Lake Koman ferry terminal, and be prepared for windy roads. If you get carsick, take motion sickness meds beforehand — trust me. Also, skip the free shots at the hostel the night before, you do not want to be hungover on this journey. 

The second leg of this trip is the Lake Koman ferry, which will take about 3 hours. This was an experience in itself. It was magical. You’ll be surrounded by turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and lush mountains. 

The landscapes reminded me of Khao Sok in Thailand or even parts of New Zealand. It’s breathtaking. Bring cards, snacks, a book, headphones, and your camera. This will keep you busy during the journey. I also loved chatting with the group, you’ll be with these people for the next few days, so get to know each other. 

Finally, you’ll hop on one more bus to finish up the journey to Valbona. Not going to lie, the last thing I wanted to do was get on another bus. But it was the final stretch— about 1.5 hours — and then we had made it to our guest house in Valbona. 

We arrived in Valbona at about 1:30 PM. After checking into your guesthouse, grab lunch, and enjoy a laid-back afternoon. Everyone spent their time reading, journaling, playing volleyball, and just soaking in the gorgeous landscapes. 

In the evening, expect a delicious home-cooked Albanian dinner, a cozy fire, and an early bedtime. You’ll want to be well-rested for the hike the next day! 

Need some help packing? Check out my hostel packing list here!🎒

Day 2: Hike from Valbona to Theth.

It’s hike day! Wake up around 6:00-6:30 AM for breakfast at your guesthouse. They’ll also provide a packed lunch for the hike (usually a sandwich, fruit, and a drink). Make sure to pack light — you’ll be carrying everything you need for the next couple of days. (You should have properly packed your 3-day hiking bag in Shkodër.)

Okay, now onto the topic of what to wear. Any comfortable, athletic wear is perfect. I wore a biker short set and felt great. Bring layers if it’s chilly in the morning (this depends on what time of year you go), and definitely wear decent sneakers with a good grip. 

The hike is about 10.5 miles (17 km) and will take 6 to 8 hours, depending on your pace. The beginning stretch is steep— you’ll feel it. Take your time and enjoy the views. After the first couple of hours, the trail levels out and becomes way more manageable.

Along the trail, there are a few teahouses and small cafes where you can purchase snacks and drinks (make sure you have cash). Bring snacks, electrolyte packets, and a refillable water bottle with you. The scenery is truly beautiful, take it all in along the way. 

The last stretch to Theth feels long, but it’s not that difficult (you’ll be tired and just ready to shower). Once you’re at the guesthouse, take a much-needed shower, throw on something cozy, and relax for the evening. 

For dinner, expect another home-cooked Albanian meal and a cozy fire outside. This was the most relaxing evening and the most surreal day.  

Day 3: Explore Theth (Optional Extra Day) 

If you have the time, I highly recommend staying one more day in Theth. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Albania, and you won’t want to rush out. 

Begin your day with another incredible Albanian breakfast. I was obsessed with the fresh jams, homemade pastries, and fresh fruits and veggies. 

Today, you can visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) or Grunas Waterfall. The Blue Eye is about a 6-hour (18 km) round-trip hike and much easier than the Valbona to Theth hike. On the other hand, Grunas Waterfall is about 15 to 20 minutes from the village, and it is an easy and scenic visit. 

You can do one or the other, or opt for both. Some friends and I hiked to the Blue Eye and then ended up taking a taxi back. The views along the way were absolutely breathtaking. If you don’t want to do another 18 km hike on this day, I suggest hiking there and getting a taxi back.

There’s also a nice restaurant near the Blue Eye, we stopped for a nice lunch before hopping in a taxi back to our guest house. Again, we had another lovely evening with a delicious meal and a relaxing fire. 

Pro-Tip: If you’re hiking to the Blue Eye, bring a swimsuit and a towel and be prepared for icy water! The water is like an ice bath year-round. It’s so cold. 

Day 4: Theth to Shkodër

On your final morning, check out of your guesthouse and take the direct bus back to Shkodër (this is another bus that the Wanderers hostel books for you). The journey back is much quicker than the way there. Expect a 3 to 4 hour bus ride — and a scenic drive through the mountains. 

You’ll likely arrive back in Shkodër around 1:00 PM. Some people continue to Tirana or other destinations, but I recommend staying one more night in Shkodër to rest and enjoy this chill city before moving on. 

If you’re wondering how to spend your time here, check out my guide: Best Things to Do in Shkodër, Albania🇦🇱

What to know about the Valbona to Theth hike ferry.

The ferry ride through Lake Koman will take about 3 hours. Bring snacks, headphones, sunscreen, layers, and playing cards if you want to stay entertained. Oh, and don’t forget a camera — the lake is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and it’s an incredibly scenic ride. 

As mentioned above, this ferry will be booked through Wanderers Hostel if you choose to go this route. However, if you are booking separately, you can book this ferry through Berisha Ferry or Rozafa Ferry. Both are popular and reliable. 

What to do in Valbona? 

Valbona is a laid-back, peaceful mountain town in the Albanian Alps. It’s the perfect place to unwind before your hike. There isn’t much to do, but here are a few things you can do in Valbona: 

• Short hike to Valbona Waterfall 
• Relax by the river (it’s stunning) 
• Visit the Old Mill of Valbona
• Enjoy mountain views and traditional meals at your guesthouse 
• Get to know fellow travelers! 

What to do in Theth? 

Like Valbona, Theth is a chill mountain town. Here you’ll be able to relax after the long trek, but there are also a couple of other fun activities you can do here. These include: 

• Blue Eye of Theth 
• Theth Church (so pretty, our guesthouse was right near the church) 
• Grunas Waterfall

Looking for the best beaches in the Balkans? Check out these helpful guides: 14 Best Beaches in Ohrid, North Macedonia, and The Top Beaches in Kotor, Montenegro 🌊

Additional FAQs About Hiking from Valbona to Theth

How long is the hike from Valbona to Theth? 

The hike will take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on your speed and how many breaks you take. The distance is around 10 miles. My friends and I took about 7 hours — we stopped quite a few times and took lots of photos along the way! 

Should I stay in Theth or Valbona?

You’ll end up staying in both towns — at least that’s what I suggest, so that you can begin the hike early and rest once you finish it. Start in Valbona, sleep there before the hike, and stay in Theth to rest afterward and enjoy the beautiful mountain town. 

How far is the Blue Eye from Theth? 

It’s about 18 km round trip from Theth Church. It will take you about three hours to hike to the Blue Eye from the village. This was a much simpler hike compared to Valbona-Theth. I think it’s well worth it — stunning views everywhere! 

Valbona to Theth or Theth to Valbona? 

I suggest Valbona to Theth. The incline feels more manageable in this direction, and you’ll finish with a long downhill stretch rather than starting with it. 

Where does the Valbona to Theth hike start? 

If you are hiking from Valbona, you’ll begin the trek near a Rrogam. Most guesthouses offer a shuttle to the start of the trail. I recommend utilizing the shuttle service, it’s definitely worth saving the little bit of time and energy. When I say “shuttle,” it’s usually a bunch of people squeezed into a pickup truck. 

Once we were ready to set off, we jumped in a man’s pickup truck who drove us about 10 minutes to the start of the trail, windows down and music blasting the entire ride. The views were already amazing — quite the way to start an unforgettable day. 

How high is the Valbona to Theth hike? 

The trail peaks at Valbona Pass, which is about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) high. This is the most challenging part of the journey, but it offers incredible views. 

Valbona to Theth Hike Packing List

Here are a few essentials you need to pack for this hike. Remember, only bring what you need. You can leave everything else at your accommodation in Shkodër. 

And you will be carrying everything on your back during the hike. I brought my favorite backpack from Amazon (you can check it out here) and a belt bag from Uniqlo. Here’s a rundown of the list:

• Backpack (mine is from Amazon) 
• Dry bag (I wanted this in case it rained, I would have somewhere to store my phone and camera) 
• Refillable water bottle 
• Layers (Depending on what time of year you’re visiting)
• Camera 
• Chargers 
• A bikini and a towel 
• Cash – most places in the Alps will only accept cash
• Shorts & tops
• Sandals 
• Mini first aid kit with basic medications 
• Something to sleep in 
• Basic toiletries 
• SPF 
• Deodorant 
• Snacks for the hike 
• Underwear and extra socks 
• Passport or ID 
• Portable charger

I hope this article helped plan your trip to Albania! If you have any specific questions about the Valbona to Theth hike, comment below!

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